A. Buildings shall be inspected, in accordance with the provisions of Section 113.6 of The Philadelphia Building Code as adopted by Chapter 4-10.0 of The Philadelphia Code[49], prior to issuance of building permits by independent certified asbestos investigators. The investigator shall identify the presence and evaluate the condition of any asbestos material affected by the proposed work.[50]

(1) The Board shall establish, by regulation, the criteria for conducting an asbestos inspection, including inspection techniques, sampling, analysis procedures, and requirements for an asbestos inspection report.

B. Asbestos projects shall be inspected to ensure that asbestos work is properly performed so as to protect building occupants and the general public from asbestos exposure.

(1) Without any prior notice the Department is authorized to conduct such inspections and take such air samples as are necessary to determine compliance with the requirements, procedures and standards established under this Chapter. In addition, for all major asbestos projects, the Department shall conduct the following inspections:

(a) Pre-Inspection. After initial work area preparation has been completed, but before asbestos abatement, renovation, or demolition has commenced, the Department shall inspect to ensure that the work area is properly contained and that all necessary equipment and procedures are in place to protect building occupants and the general public from exposure to asbestos. The contractor or supervisor shall not commence asbestos work until approval has been obtained from the Department.

(b) Final Inspection. After final work area clean-up has been completed, but before the plastic containment barriers have been removed, the Department shall inspect to ensure that the work area contains no visible dust or debris. The contractor or supervisor shall not remove the plastic containment barriers until approval has been obtained from the Department in order to protect building occupants and the general public from exposure to asbestos.

(c) The asbestos contractor or supervisor shall notify the Department at least seventy-two (72) hours prior to the time when pre-inspections and final inspections are requested. Department personnel shall be available to conduct required inspections at times other than normal work hours when necessary in order to expedite asbestos project completion. The Department shall conduct required inspections at the time requested, but in no event later than twenty-four (24) hours after the time requested.

(2) Any person who becomes aware of a hazardous condition arising out of an asbestos project may petition the Department for an immediate inspection.

(3) Independent Asbestos Project Inspectors:

(a) For all major asbestos projects, an independent certified asbestos project inspector shall be employed or retained by the building owner to monitor the asbestos project, to perform all required initial, project, and clearance air sampling, and to conduct visual inspections during the course of the asbestos project in order to protect building occupants and the general public from exposure to asbestos.

(.1) The asbestos project inspector shall have the authority to direct the asbestos contractor or asbestos project supervisor to correct any violations of the standards and procedures established under this Chapter and regulations promulgated thereunder. If the asbestos contractor or supervisor fails to correct any violation as directed by the asbestos project inspector, the inspector shall notify the Department immediately.

(.2) The asbestos project inspector shall keep written records on the asbestos project, including records of visual inspections, air monitoring, and violations, and immediately report any serious or repeated violations of the provisions of this Chapter or regulations promulgated thereunder to the Department. The asbestos project inspector may recommend to the Department suspension of asbestos project activity, removal of asbestos workers from the work area, or evacuation of the building in order to protect building occupants and the general public from exposure to asbestos.